Laundry and Eczema: 4 Tips to Stop Irritating Your Skin

Could your laundry routine be making your eczema worse?

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Your clothes rub against your skin all day long, and your sheets and bedding brush against it all night long. So the detergent and other products you use on laundry day can have a big impact on your skin health and eczema symptoms.

But if you’re careful, laundry doesn’t have to cause your skin more trouble. For clean clothes without making eczema worse, try these tips from dermatologist Suzanne Friedler, MD, of the Mount Sinai Hospital and St. John’s Episcopal Hospital.

Use detergents that are hypoallergenic, dye-free, and fragrance-free. Don’t be misled by the term “unscented.” An unscented detergent still has a fragrance, but it’s masked and will still irritate sensitive skin.

Wash new clothes and bedding before you wear or use them.

Use the “extra rinse” setting on your washing machine if available. Detergent can often remain on the fabric even after rolling around in the washer and dryer. Rinsing out the clothes a little longer will get as much detergent off as possible.

Use only the amount of detergent suggested on the label. This tip comes from both laundry machine manufacturers and the American Academy of Dermatology. Too much detergent can cram the machine and make it harder to drain properly.